Lesson 4 - Fisheries 360 videos
In this lesson you will learn about the fisheries industry in Shetland through a series of 360 videos on youtube. Scenarios including shellfish sampling, pelagic fisheries, and underwater content will be covered to allow the learner to experience the varied contexts available within the seafood industry.
Learning outcomes and CfE links
Learning outcomes and CfE links
- To develop an understanding of the importance of the fishing industry to Scotland
- To learn about the main species of fish caught in Scottish waters
- To explore how the fishing industry links to sustainability
- To find out more about career options in the fishing industry
Introduction to the Scottish Fishing Industry
Introduction to the Scottish Fishing Industry
- In 2022 Scottish fishing vessels landed 429 thousand tonnes of finfish and shellfish with a gross value of £617 million.
- A total of 4,117 fishers were working on these vessels
Aspects of the Scottish Fishing Industry
Aspects of the Scottish Fishing Industry
Whitefish
The Scottish whitefish fleet target species which live and feed on or near the sea bed including haddock, cod, whiting, saithe and monkfish. Several species are caught together which poses challenges relating to fisheries management.
Pelagic
The Scottish pelagic fleet is comprised of a small number of large vessels which primarily fish for mackerel and herring in the pelagic zone.
Shellfish
Scottish coastal fisheries are focused on shellfish such as crabs, scallops, and lobsters. For crabs and lobsters, fishers send down creels and throw back anything that is too small or spawning. For scallops, small inshore vessels send down a specialised dredge which is pulled along the seabed.
Science
Fisheries scientists conduct research, collect data, and partner with industry to investigate topics relating to fish biology, aid in the design of fishing gear, and inform fisheries management decision making.
Policy
Policy is required to manage and regulate the marine environment so that it remains sustainable for future fishing activities. It is essential for seeking a balance between, economic, environmental and social outcomes.
UHI Shetland Marine Scientists
Learn more about the work of UHI Shetland's marine scientists and how their data collection contributes to fisheries management in Shetland. Join them as they complete sampling on the catch landed by Shetland's lobster fishers, and visit the Scalloway fish market to sample the catch of the day.
Pelagic Fisheries
Find out more about what its like to work on a pelagic boat as it travels from Shetland to Denmark to fish and back to mainland Scotland to land their catch. The Scottish pelagic fleet is comprised of a small number of large vessels which catch midwater species such as mackerel and herring.
Shellfish Fisheries
Explore the Scottish shellfish fleet, comprised mainly of smaller inshore vessels using creels, trawls, and dredges to catch species such as langoustines, crabs, lobsters and scallops which are landed live or chilled.
Whitefish Fisheries
Find out more about the Scottish whitefish fleet which trawl species of which living near the sea floor such as haddock, cod, and whiting.
Hobby Fisheries
Fishing has been a popular activity for Shetlanders for over 6,000 years, since the islands were first settled, and continues to be a popular pastime until this day. The Shetland dialect word "eela" means to go fishing by rod or handline from a small boat. On fine summer nights many Shetlanders will head off to sea, trying for fish such as mackerel, or piltocks (coalfish). Fishers selling their catch for profit require a license but members of the public are allowed to catch a small number of fish for their own consumption without one.